Archive for July, 2012

Trade Show is Here by Frank Seltzer

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

 

The annual trade show comes into Orlando starting Friday August 3rd.  Actually the show opens before that,  but the trade show floor—where the manufacturers show their newest products – starts Friday morning.  According to the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association, this year’s event is sold out with a record 1361 booths, which is 100 more than last year’s show.

Undoubtedly there will be lots of new products.

CAO concert cigars

CAO Concert

General Cigars is launching the CAO Concert series.  It began at the Country Music Awards in June when the concept of Concert was announced with a sneak peak.  According to the company’s release:

“CAO was originally launched in Nashville, so music is in the brand’s DNA,” commented Alan Willner, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of CAO Cigars.

“CAO Concert was inspired by the brand’s roots in Nashville,” commented Ed McKenna, CAO’s senior brand manager.  “When listening to music at a concert, or even in your own backyard, it’s a great time to sit back, enjoy a great cigar, and enjoy the people you’re with. That’s what Concert is about.”

The cigars will be in four sizes and will retail between $5.75- $7.50.  The cigars are expected to be out this fall, and CAO will be going to concerts this year to promote the brand.

General Cigar also will be bringing back the limited edition Benji Menendez Master Series to the Partagas line.  The cigar will be a Toro (6” x54) same size as last year’s holiday package.

Pete Johnson is coming up with a new company and  a new line of cigars.  It is called L’Atelier Imports and unlike his Tatuaje which is based in Los Angeles, this company will be in Miami.  L’Atelier means the workshop or studio designed for an artist.  Johnson told Cigar Aficionado that the new company will give him the chance to experiment without hurting his core lines.  The company will be overseen by Pete’s older brother K.C. Johnson and friends Dan Welsh and Sean Johnson ( no relation to Pete).

Rocky Patel is planning on adding to his successful Edge cigars by introducing the Nicaraguan Edge.   The company also is adding lines called Freedom and Private Cellar, which Nish Patel ( who blended the Xen)  says he thinks Private Cellar is one of the company’s best blends ever.

La Palina already has announced its new Maduro and Classic lines for the show, but it is also adding a Kill Bill2.  The original Kill Bill was a petit corona size (4.25” x 40) in the El Diario line, but because of its size, the strength of the cigar surprised brand owner Bill Paley and the joke was it almost Killed Bill.  With a CA rating of 93, the KB retails for $8.75  As a follow up for longer smoking, the company is coming out with the Kill Bill2 which is 6” x 40.  The price for the Kill Bill2 will be $9.25.

Da Coach

Legendary football coach Mike Ditka has signed a deal with Davidoff’s Camacho cigars to create a line of cigars carrying Ditka’s name.  The cigars are scheduled to debut later this year but da coach will be making his first official appearance for Camacho at the Davidoff dinner during the IPCPR in Orlando.  This is not Ditka’s first foray into cigars…a long time cigar smoker he tried twice before with limited success.  Prior to the Chicago smoking ban, Ditkas restaurant—home of da pork chop—was a great place to eat and have a cigar.  Camacho’s plans call for Ditka to serve as a brand ambassador at certain national events.

There also will be a new feature at the trade show,  an official IPCPR cigar art original painting and prints commemorating the strength of the cigar industry.  The art will raise money for the organization’s legislative efforts.   According to the IPCPR release:

The artist is the world-renowned Alberto Godoy. Originally from Cuba, Mr. Godoy fled the oppression of his native country in 1980. The original oil painting, entitled “The Event,” will be auctioned off with a starting bid of $250 and there will also be 1,000 high-quality, signed 16″ x 20″ acid-free paper color prints to purchase at the show for only $36.00 each. Mr Godoy and his company, CigarArt.net, will donate 50% of the proceeds to the ongoing IPCPR legislative efforts to protect our industry. So, please show your support by either bidding on the original oil painting or purchasing a print. In addiiton, Mr. Godoy will be painting another original oil painting LIVE DURING THE SHOW to be auctioned off with 50% of proceeds also going to the IPCPR legislative efforts.??. It is an incredible keepsake of fine cigar art and a great way to support our industry.

Not So Fast

A couple of weeks ago I reported about city plans in Santa Monica, CA to require people to declare if their apartment or condo was smoking or not.  The net effect was to ban smoking inside people’s homes.  Well the ordinance came up for its second and final reading and, surprise, it lost.  Quite a reversal, but then again the LA Times even editorialized against Santa Monica saying the ban goes too far.  The times says

“Smoking may be a nasty habit but its not criminal.”

 Actually,  apparently what persuaded the council was the fact that the smoking ban might affect those smoking “medical” marijuana.

Flor De Las Antillas by My Father Cigars

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

The Flor De Las Antillas is a product of My Father Cigar Co. Being the fanboi that I am, I grabbed this the minute Ed told me they were in stock. To quote, or at least paraphrase Ed, “This cigaa is equal to, or better then the Casa Magna Domus Magnus.” That is a tall order, especially since the Domus was my #1 cigar of 2011. Let’s see if I agree with Ed or not.

 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown

Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Belicoso 5.5 x 52

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The word that came to mind when I looked at the wrapper was, rustic. It was somewhat wrinkled from being box pressed. There was as split towards the head, but I wasn’t concerned. The odor of the wrapper was barnyard. Yea folks, it smelled like poop. For whatever reason, this isn’t a bad thing. Squeezing the cigar revealed some minor inconsistencies, but it was well packed. The draw had slight resistance, and the pre-light flavor was dark coffee and earthiness.

The ash held for over an inch, and the burn required one minor touch up.

1 Flor_de_Las_Antillas My_Father Cigars

Flavor:

The first third opened up with an easy pepper and wood. Coffee, with a tinge of sweetness, gradually entered the picture. Simple, but good.

2 Flor_de_Las_Antillas My_Father Cigars

Pepper increased, but remained smooth in the second third. It had a nice little kick, but it was dialed down. Wood, coffee, and a sweet cocoa were evenly mixed in the flavor profile. There may have been a hint of nuts in the background. At the halfway point, the sweetness would come and go. On the draws that had no sweetness, a tingly spice would take its place.

3 Flor_de_Las_Antillas My_Father Cigars

The last third kept the same basic flavor profile as the second third. The main difference was, some draws were creamy and sweet, and some were dry and crisp. The tingly spicy aftertaste slightly increased in strength.

4 Flor_de_Las_Antillas My_Father Cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good, even a very good, medium to full bodied cigar. Construction, flavor, burn, ash, it had it all. BUT, I will have to agree to disagree with Ed. This cigar isn’t better, and it isn’t worse, than the Casa Magna Domus Magnus. I can’t draw the same comparison that Ed can. See how subjective this cigar reviewing stuff is? Needless to say, the Flor De Las Antillas is a solid cigar, and it holds its own. I’ll be smoking more of these, guaranteed.

You Want a More Productive Life… Smoke Cigars by Tommy Zman

Friday, July 27th, 2012

“I ordinarily smoke fifteen cigars during my five hours’ labours, and if my interest reaches the enthusiastic point, I smoke more. I smoke with all my might, and allow no intervals. “ - Mark Twain

Based on my new article for my column in the current JR catalogue, we now have proof that cigars can rid the world of wars and all strife. And how’s that you ask… (well, you would only ask that question if you hadn’t yet read my article and why would you be so inconsiderate like that?) Well, here’s the deal – cigars bring about bonding, relaxation and ultimately peace, which ain’t such a bad thing now, is it?

A few years ago I even wrote a cigar magazine article entitled: Cigars are Good for You, as I cited all of the wonderful intrinsic properties and benefits that the act of cigar smoking brings to one’s life. Come on, we all know that after a day filled with stress brought on by the dealings with mental midgets and morons, a post dinner smoke of your favorite Cain, Camacho, Cohiba, or Casablanca makes the entire world a better place to live in, if only for just a few hours. So I maintain the thought that it should be made mandatory that all adults, men and women both, should smoke cigars.

In even yet another Cigar Magazine article, I wrote about the effects cigar smoking has on the brain and how it induces the kind of relaxation that puts a person into an almost meditative state, allowing the creative process to take place at a much higher level than normal. After much research I found an article from a major US newspaper from the early 1900’s, where the writer interviewed over 100 novelists, playwrights, and poets of the day (some world renown and known to this day) – and the commonality was that they all smoked – the vast majority of them being cigar smokers. But the key here was that they all smoked their cigars while they worked. The goal of the article’s author was to find out the effect that smoking had on the creative process – did it REALLY help these ‘men of the pen’ produce a better final product. Well, the verdict was overwhelming as every single one of those interviewed claimed that without a doubt, smoking made them better writers, and the moment that their cigar was lit, it instantly put them into a state that allowed them to create at an infinitely higher lever.

While I don’t smoke inside my house, I will often retreat to the patio with my laptop, and there is no question that enjoying a good cigar while I write makes the entire process not only a joy, but a massively productive one. I really do seem to enter into a zone where the brain opens up and the soul makes a connection to an unexplained higher power, allowing me to perform almost without thinking as the words just flow from my fingertips.

Finally, I will tell you about a guy I know who lives on the left coast and has a stressful corporate job. A while back, the ten guys in his department were out one night smoking cigars and yakking about work. They noticed how the time flew by as they solved some major issues that were going on in the office. So the boss came up with a stunningly revolutionary idea: CIGAR MEETINGS at work. Every single day the department meets in a wooded area on the side of the building at 11am for 45 minutes to an hour and at 2:30 pm for the same amount of time. After a year of this practice, the group has been sited as the best performing outfit in the company as more projects have been successfully completed than anyone had ever seen. Surprised? Not me, in the least.

The world needs cigars, people, and the fact is that this floating rock we live on would sure be a better place to live if its adult inhabitants enjoyed the leafy fruit on a daily basis. And with that, I light my La Aurora 107 and bid you all a kind farewell til next week!

DON’T MISS – The NEW JR•Cigar Catalog is out and you can read my regular column on page 98: What Really Roasts My Robusto! This issue’s story is entitled: The Ultimate Answer to saving the World (and if you love cigars, you’re gonna love where I’m headed with this one!)

I urge you to PLEASE SUPPORT Cigar Rights of America as they continue to deal with congress, the senate, and all US legislators who need to be made aware that our cigars are the best friends we know of and we will fight like hell to keep them in our lives! >>http://cigarrrights.org

TZ.Sig.2

JR Cigars Blog with the Zman

CLICK HERE to Check out this week’s J•R CIGARS Weekly Special!

 

Tatuaje Seleccion De Cazador (Brown Label) –Four years later

Friday, July 27th, 2012

It isn’t often that I get to smoke a nice, properly aged cigar. My opportunity came in a cigar bomb, sent by my friends Todd & Julia from JuliaLightsUp. I’m sure you’ve seen me brag about the cigar bomb they sent me in previous reviews. I was excited to find out that this had been aged since 2008. Aging cigars can be a mixed bag. Sometimes they will lose something, and other times, it’s the complete opposite. Since I had to base my review off of one cigar, I made sure to pair with water.

 

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Unicos 6 1/8 x 52

Price: Around $10.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a nice oily sheen. At the same time, depending on the lighting, it looked velvety smooth. The only flaw I could find was a small crack, which was a non issue. This was probably just from being so old, and going through the US Postal Service. The smell of the wrapper and foot was mild and cedary. I found the cigar to be nicely packed, with some minor soft spots here and there. The draw was free, with only slight resistance. The pre-light draw had a nice, cedary note.

The burn required two minor corrections, and the ash held for well over an inch.

1 Tatuaje_Seleccion_de_Cazador cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with an ultra smooth cedar. It didn’t take long for pepper to join in, and it was especially noticeable when retrohaling. This wasn’t your traditional black pepper, it had more of a cayenne vibe. Gradually, coffee, and a bitter cocoa note, joined in to drown out the cedar. The aftertaste was easy, and had a nice sweet tingle.

2 Tatuaje_Seleccion_de_Cazador cigars

As soon as I hit the second third, it was like someone flipped a switch. Rich mocha became the dominant flavor. Behind it, tingly pepper, and black coffee. The dominant flavor would change from draw to draw. Mocha, pepper, and coffee, each had their turn at the front. The smoke feel became thick, sweet, and creamy.

3 Tatuaje_Seleccion_de_Cazador cigars

The last third saw a return of cedar, and it mixed evenly with everything else. Basically, it was mocha, tingly pepper, coffee, and cedar mixed together. Nothing really stood out over the other. The smoke feel remained creamy, and it clung to the palate for a good, long time.

4 Tatuaje_Seleccion_de_Cazador cigars

Conclusion:

WOW! This was a great full bodied cigar. Age really smoothed out that famous, peppery, Pepin blast that we all know and love. The flavors weren’t as “In your face” either. I had to pay a little more attention. Thankfully, the change wasn’t worse, and it wasn’t better. It was just different. Age really transformed this great cigar into, well, a different great cigar!

Hoyo de Monterrey Giveaway-ENDING SOON!

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

Just a reminder – The Hoyo de Monterrey cigar giveaway is ending soon!

Reposado_en_Cedros 3 pack cigars

Ten random winners will be picked.

If you haven’t entered yet, CLICK HERE!

Fore! by Frank Seltzer

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

If you like golf, you need to take a look at the new contest Macanudo is putting on, called the Macanudo Ultimate Round  The Masters is undoubtedly one of golf’s premier events and Macanudo is offering you the chance to go next year.  All you have to do is buy a box of  MacanudoMacanudo Cru Royale, Macanudo Robust, Macanudo Maduro or Macanudo Vintage 2000 and you will be automatically entered into the national sweepstakes. (Every box purchase gets you another entry into the contest.)

Another way to enter is to submit a golf-themed photo submitted via Facebook or on the Macanudo website. This is separate from the National Sweepstakes so there will be a total of 8 grand prizes – 7 for the national sweepstakes and one for the photo contest..  The winners get a 6 day/5 night trip to the Masters including airfare and accommodations.

Michigan to cut cigar tax

Here is some good news

The IPCPR announced this week that the Michigan House Commerce Committee approved a plan that would cap the state tax on premium cigars at 50 cents.  As of now, Michigan adds a 32% tax on all premium cigars, which puts an additional $3.20 to a 10-dollar smoke.  This will be a big savings and more than likely will net Michigan more tax money.  The vote in committee was 12-2 in favor.  It now goes to the House for approval.  Michigan is in a limited session this summer so IPCPR legislative director Chris McCalla says he expects final approval to happen sometime in August or September.   Due to technical matters,  McCalla says, the bill will need to go back to the Senate for another vote but considering it passed 35-1 he does not expect any problems.

2 More Sponsors

In other legislative work, the IPCPR has announced two additional House sponsors to HR 1639 (which exempts premium cigars from the FDA’s clutches). This brings the total to 210 (the original sponsor and 209 co-sponsors.  Rep Heath Schuler from North Carolina and Rep. Nan Hayworth are the latest. (It would be very nice to have 218 co sponsors because that would be over 50% of the House membership.)  If you have not written your Congressman or Senator, please do it today.

Second Hand Smoke Suit Dismissed

This week,  a federal judge in New Orleans dismissed a Second Hand Smoke lawsuit against Harrah’s Casino.  It was brought by a woman who claimed her son contracted leukemia from working in Harrah’s New Orleans Casino where smoking is allowed.  The suit alleges Harrah’s has done nothing to protect its employees from the exposure to second hand smoke.of course the fact that second hand smoke is a myth…well that doesn’t matter.  The judge threw out the case on technical grounds because the mother bringing the suit did not file a Workers Compensation claim since she was arguing that this was a work related injury.  A similar suit is still pending in Las Vegas against the Wynn Casino by a union activist.  There were similar claims made in Atlantic City against the casinos which resulted in about a 2 week period when all AC casinos went smoke free…and the Casinos and city lost millions of dollars because of it.  What the other side cannot get done via city councils and legislatures, they will use the courts to do their dirty work.

Ban Fizzles

Last week in Dublin, California—an eastern suburb of San Francisco— the mayor tried to institute a moratorium on new business licenses for tobacco shops, but he couldn’t even get enough support to bring it up for a vote.  The city is working on an ordinance to set restrictions on how close a tobacco store (even 7-11s) can be to schools, parks and to competing tobacco retailers. The city also wants to license tobacco retailers and be able to revoke or suspend those licenses should they sell to minors.  Never mind it is already illegal to sell tobacco to minors.  The city plans to grandfather existing stores to most of the new regulations.  One council member, Kevin Hart, is a non smoker but he expressed the rarest commodity in California—common sense—by questioning whether  the city should be placing limits on where a LEGAL product can be sold

“I think we are overstepping our boundaries on such an ordinance,” Hart said. “It is not something we should be in the middle of. Where do we draw the line? This is big brother, and to me we are saying you can’t buy cigarettes.”

Wacky Tabaccy OK

Speaking of common sense just travel a little west of Dublin and you will find the idiots in San Francisco.  The Board of Supervisors for that city is considering an ordinance that would ban smoking at any OUTSIDE events held on city property.  Oh wait…did I say smoking?  Sorry I meant smoking anything OTHER than Medical Marijuana.  Yup those against tobacco love sucking marijuana  smoke into their lungs.

“Event sponsors would be required to post “No Smoking” signs and make “No Smoking” announcements, but [the ordinance author Supervisor Eric] Mar said he does not foresee the city being able to actively enforcement this tobacco ban if it becomes law.”

So I guess this is another “feel good” ordinance.  Nice to know San Francisco has all its other problems solved.

C & C Connecticut

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

I found the C & C Connecticut while browsing a local cigar shop. I was in the market for a cheap, mild cigar. I often snub the cheapies in the humidor, but every now and then, I figure, “Why not?” At this price point I had little to lose, so I grabbed a few. Is this just another cheapie, or a diamond in the rough? Let’s find out.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Size: Robusto 5 x 50

Price: $3.65

1 C&C Connecticut cigars

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

A quick visual inspection of the wrapper revealed a nice, shiny appearance. There were some decent sized veins, but nothing that I would consider a flaw. The odor of the wrapper was cedar, with a sweet mild spice. I couldn’t get any smell off of the foot, perhaps a mild earthiness. Overall, the cigar was solidly packed, and had some variances in construction (lumps). The draw had some resistance, and was a little snug. The pre-light flavor was mild and earthy.

The snug draw wasn’t an issue once lit. The burn required no corrections, and the ash held for just around an inch.

2 C&C Connecticut cigars

Flavor:

The first half had a mild peppery spice on the retrohale. The main flavor was earthiness, subtle nuttiness, and a smooth buttery component. As I approached the end of this half, the strength increased slightly, perhaps to the upper mild region.

3 C&C Connecticut cigars

The second half took on a thicker, creamier smoke feel. The spice kicked up a notch, but remained easy and mild. Earthiness, along with a nutty note, remained the same. The buttery component remained, but took a back seat towards the end. A mild, spicy tingle lingered on the palate for a little while.

4 C&C Connecticut cigars

Conclusion:

I know many people don’t care to read reviews of cheap cigars. There is an undeniable market for them, so I’m going to give them a shot from time to time. So… This was a decent milder cigar. It was fairly one dimensional, but with coffee, I enjoyed it much more than the standard water. Burn, construction, and flavor, weren’t bad. It basically is a typical Connecticut wrapped cigar. It pretty much lived up to the price point. If you’re in the market for a cheap, decent Connecticut cigar, this is worth a shot.

Cigars and Battling the Dog Days of Summer

Friday, July 20th, 2012

For those who know me these past few years on this blog, I occasionally like to bitch about the weather – okay, more frequently than that, I’m sure… too freezing in the winter where I can’t feel my important parts let alone enjoy a premium hand rolled stick. Too damned hot in the summer where the humidity is brutal and there is nothing worse than smoking a smoldering hot cigar while simmering in your own natural juices. (Hey, I know reading that was gross, but the mental image is infinitely worse.)

Well, these past couple of weeks most of the U.S. has experienced the latter as the sky rocketing temperatures have sent our electric bills thru the roof. North Jersey has been an absolute scorcher where even at 10pm it’s been 87 degrees with 95% humidity – a climate not very conducive for enjoying your Punch, Partagas, Perdomo, Pepin, or Playboy! (Yeah, yeah… I know – you’re still trying to get passed that simmering in your juices thing)…

After several days with the outside oven set on broil, I finally gave it a go to smoke outdoors but the humidity was so high that not only would my cigar not stay lit, my iphone was even running in super slow motion as mother nature cast her flaming grip on anything and everything she could. But I was a trooper, battling the elements with a fierce determination to enjoy the pastime that I have grown to know and love. Several tankards of ice-cold refreshing liquids created from hops, malt, and barley seemed to help bring me back to life as well, praise the lord. People always argue whether they would rather be hot or cold, but for me, a nice 68 degrees all year round would really do the trick, (hello San Diego) as the stogies would be lit in succession day after day, not caring how much I smelled like a pile of burning leaves, and trust me, I’ve been told a lot worse.

And just so you know, I actually put in several calls to the Heat Miser to maybe get an inside scoop on when this nonsense was gonna stop, but all I got back from his publicist was the classic, “Hot enough for ya?” Lame Jack ass.

Hey, I don’t do a lot of shout outs, but I figured this one was not only appropriate, but educational too… from the pages of Wikipedia we give a big JR Cigar Blog thanks to the great Willis Carrier, who in 1902 invented the first modern electrical air conditioning unit n Buffalo, New York. After graduating from Cornell University, Carrier, a native of Angola, New York, found a job at the Buffalo Forge Company. While there, Carrier began experimenting with air conditioning as a way to solve an application problem for the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York, and the first “air conditioner,” designed and built in Buffalo by Carrier, began working on 17 July 1902. And may I just say that my entire massive cigar collection thanks you, sir Willis!

DON’T MISS – The NEW JR•Cigar Catalog is out and you can read my regular column on page 98: What Really Roasts My Robusto! This issue’s story is entitled: The Ultimate Answer to saving the World (and if you love cigars, you’re gonna love where I’m headed with this one!)

I urge you to PLEASE SUPPORT Cigar Rights of America as they continue to deal with congress, the senate, and all US legislators who need to be made aware that our cigars are the best friends we know of and we will fight like hell to keep them in our lives! >>http://cigarrrights.org

TZ.Sig.2

JR Cigars Blog with the Zman

CLICK HERE to Check out this week’s J•R CIGARS Weekly Special!


Cigars and Battling the Dog Days of Summer

Friday, July 20th, 2012

For those who know me these past few years on this blog, I occasionally like to bitch about the weather – okay, more frequently than that, I’m sure… too freezing in the winter where I can’t feel my important parts let alone enjoy a premium hand rolled stick. Too damned hot in the summer where the humidity is brutal and there is nothing worse than smoking a smoldering hot cigar while simmering in your own natural juices. (Hey, I know reading that was gross, but the mental image is infinitely worse.)

Well, these past couple of weeks most of the U.S. has experienced the latter as the sky rocketing temperatures have sent our electric bills thru the roof. North Jersey has been an absolute scorcher where even at 10pm it’s been 87 degrees with 95% humidity – a climate not very conducive for enjoying your Punch, Partagas, Perdomo, Pepin, or Playboy! (Yeah, yeah… I know – you’re still trying to get passed that simmering in your juices thing)…

After several days with the outside oven set on broil, I finally gave it a go to smoke outdoors but the humidity was so high that not only would my cigar not stay lit, my iphone was even running in super slow motion as mother nature cast her flaming grip on anything and everything she could. But I was a trooper, battling the elements with a fierce determination to enjoy the pastime that I have grown to know and love. Several tankards of ice-cold refreshing liquids created from hops, malt, and barley seemed to help bring me back to life as well, praise the lord. People always argue whether they would rather be hot or cold, but for me, a nice 68 degrees all year round would really do the trick, (hello San Diego) as the stogies would be lit in succession day after day, not caring how much I smelled like a pile of burning leaves, and trust me, I’ve been told a lot worse.

And just so you know, I actually put in several calls to the Heat Miser to maybe get an inside scoop on when this nonsense was gonna stop, but all I got back from his publicist was the classic, “Hot enough for ya?” Lame Jack ass.

Hey, I don’t do a lot of shout outs, but I figured this one was not only appropriate, but educational too… from the pages of Wikipedia we give a big JR Cigar Blog thanks to the great Willis Carrier, who in 1902 invented the first modern electrical air conditioning unit n Buffalo, New York. After graduating from Cornell University, Carrier, a native of Angola, New York, found a job at the Buffalo Forge Company. While there, Carrier began experimenting with air conditioning as a way to solve an application problem for the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York, and the first “air conditioner,” designed and built in Buffalo by Carrier, began working on 17 July 1902. And may I just say that my entire massive cigar collection thanks you, sir Willis!

DON’T MISS – The NEW JR•Cigar Catalog is out and you can read my regular column on page 98: What Really Roasts My Robusto! This issue’s story is entitled: The Ultimate Answer to saving the World (and if you love cigars, you’re gonna love where I’m headed with this one!)

I urge you to PLEASE SUPPORT Cigar Rights of America as they continue to deal with congress, the senate, and all US legislators who need to be made aware that our cigars are the best friends we know of and we will fight like hell to keep them in our lives! >>http://cigarrrights.org

TZ.Sig.2

JR Cigars Blog with the Zman

CLICK HERE to Check out this week’s J•R CIGARS Weekly Special!


Gurkha Seduction

Friday, July 20th, 2012

I haven’t reviewed a Gurkha in some time, so I figured it is overdue. Like many of you, I find myself taking enjoyment in slamming Gurkha. It’s an easy mark, considering some of their gimmicks. Once I get past the “Rolls Royce of Cigars” bullshit, I have to admit, they have quite a few blends that I enjoy. It is only fair that I gave the Seduction a try. Let’s see how it went…

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Dominican Olor

Filler: Corojo, Colombian

Size: Toro 6 x 55

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

Some parts of the wrapper looked velvety smooth, while other segments were shiny with oil. Overall, it had a nice appearance, with only small to medium veins. The smell of the wrapper reminded me of pipe tobacco and leather. The foot had a similar aroma, with earthiness. The cigar was consistently packed, and felt a little spongy when squeezed. The draw had slight resistance, which is how I prefer it. As for the pre-light flavor, it was hard for me to pin down. It was like a very mild, mellow spice. There may have been some cedar and earthiness mixed with it too.

The burn required one minor correction, and the ash held for about 1.5 inches.

1 Gurkha_Seduction cigars

Flavor:

The first third had simple earthy and cedar core. A mild, easy spice was noticed, but only when retrohaling. The smoke feel was smooth and effortless.

2 Gurkha_Seduction cigars

The second third saw a nice, yet modest, uptick in spice. It took on a peppery feel, but was easy to pass through the sinus. It had just the right amount of zing. Earthiness, cedar, and spice remained the same. The only difference was a slight sweet note in the aftertaste. The smoke volume increased, and eventually, the sweetness became dry cocoa. What is that chocolate milk powder? You know, the one with the rabbit on the can? It reminded me of that, but to a lesser degree.

3 Gurkha_Seduction cigars

The last third kept the same core flavors – Earth, wood, spice, and dry cocoa. They all had equal strength. Only on occasion would the cocoa stand out over the other flavors. Otherwise, the last third kept pace with the second.

4 Gurkha_Seduction cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium bodied cigar. I liked how the first third set the stage for the rest of the cigar smoking experience (if that makes sense). As I often say, there was no wow factor, but it hit the spot for me. I think the asking price is reasonable as well. Construction, burn, ash, flavor, it was all there. Nothing to complain about!

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